Research contained within BURA is open access, although some publications may be subject to publisher imposed embargoes. All awarded PhD theses are also archived on BURA.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/1380

Full metadata record

DC Field

Value

Language

dc.contributor.author

Bryant, W

-

dc.contributor.author

Craik, C

-

dc.contributor.author

McKay, EA

-

dc.coverage.spatial

8

en

dc.date.accessioned

2007-12-04T11:52:36Z

-

dc.date.available

2007-12-04T11:52:36Z

-

dc.date.issued

2004

-

dc.identifier.citation

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 5 (71) 282-289

en

dc.identifier.issn

0008-4174

-

dc.identifier.uri

http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/1380

-

dc.description.abstract

Background. Community mental health care has shifted focus from resettlement to empowerment, reflecting a wider agenda
for social inclusion. Purpose. This study evaluated mental health day services from the perspectives of thirty-nine clients.
Method. Data analysis of the four focus groups explored the implications for occupational therapy. The data collected were
subjected to constant comparative analysis and theoretical sampling. Results. Participants described how mental health day
services structured their day and enabled access to support networks.However,many perceived aspects of the services as fostering
their dependence and threatening sessions they valued. This dependency led to them feeling alienated and wishing to seek
greater influence over decisions about their current and future life. The concept of occupational alienation was used to further
interpret their situation. Practice Implications.Occupational therapy could overcome occupational alienation experienced by
mental health day service clients, through the development of services within and beyond day services which promote a sense of
belonging and offers meaningful occupation.